Kent State University
Texas Tech University
Kent State Golden Flashes Travel to Face #24 Texas Tech Red Raiders
9/4/2025 10:21:00 PM | Football
Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. ET Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas | TNT
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State Golden Flashes (1-0) will face their toughest test when they travel to Lubbock to take on the #24 Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0) in their first-ever meeting. After a hard-fought 21-17 victory over Merrimack in their season opener, the Flashes now face a Red Raiders team coming off a dominant 67-7 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Different Paths to 1-0
Kent State's season opener was a grind-it-out victory that showcased both promise and areas for improvement. The Flashes managed to edge past Merrimack despite being outgained 340-305 in total offense. The victory came thanks to explosive plays from receiver Cade Wolford, who caught two touchdown passes and totaled 109 receiving yards on just two catches, including a spectacular 79-yard scoring strike, and Da'Realyst Clark's game-winning 100-yard kick return late in the fourth quarter.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, made a statement in their opener with an offensive explosion that saw them rack up 608 total yards against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Red Raiders' balanced attack featured 294 rushing yards and 314 passing yards, with quarterback Behren Morton throwing for four touchdowns while completing 16 of 20 passes.
Key Matchups to Watch
Quarterback Situation Adds Uncertainty
Texas Tech faces a significant question mark at the quarterback position, as starter Behren Morton is questionable for Saturday's game due to a leg injury sustained during the Red Raiders' season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Morton, who threw for 201 yards and four touchdowns while completing 80% of his passes in Week 1, would be a significant loss if unable to play.
If Morton can't go, Texas Tech would likely turn to backup Will Hammond, who saw action in the opener, completing 7 of 9 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 64 yards and another score on limited carries. This uncertainty could allow Kent State to face a less experienced or potentially limited quarterback situation.
Kent State Offense vs. Texas Tech Defense
The Flashes will need consistency on offense after managing just 305 total yards in their opener. With two quarterbacks sharing duties in the first game - Dru DeShields (118 passing yards, 1 TD) and C.J. Montes (91 passing yards, 1 TD) - Kent State will look to settle on a rhythm under center.
Running back Gavin Garcia, who carried the ball 15 times for 49 yards against Merrimack, will face a Texas Tech defense that limited Arkansas-Pine Bluff to just 53 rushing yards on 26 carries. The Red Raiders recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss in their opener.
The Flashes' passing game showed big-play potential with Wolford's performance, but they'll need more consistent production from their receiving corps. Sebastian Brown (3 catches, 50 yards) and the rest of the receiving unit must step up against a Texas Tech secondary that recorded an interception in their opener.
The Flashes look to have wide receiver Da'Shawn Martin back after missing the opener due to an injury.
Kent State Defense vs. Texas Tech Offense
This represents the biggest challenge for the Flashes' defense. Texas Tech's offense, led by Morton and featuring a deep stable of skill position players, presents multiple threats. Running back Cameron Dickey rushed for 90 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in the opener, while receiver Reggie Virgil caught four passes for 56 yards and a score.
Kent State's defense showed promise in limiting Merrimack to 17 points, but the Red Raiders present a quantum leap in offensive firepower. The Flashes will need strong performances from linebackers CJ Young (9 tackles vs. Merrimack) and Mason Woods (8 tackles), while the secondary must be prepared for Texas Tech's multiple receiving threats.
Special Teams Could Be Key
Kent State's special teams showed a highlight in their opener when Da'Realyst Clark returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Field position and explosive plays could be crucial against a high-powered Texas Tech offense.
The Flashes struggled with their kicking game, missing their only field goal attempt, while Texas Tech converted both field goal tries in its opener.
What Kent State Needs to Do
- Control the Clock: Kent State will likely need to keep Texas Tech's explosive offense off the field with sustained drives.
- Force Turnovers: Creating short fields through defensive takeaways will be crucial against a potent Red Raiders offense.
- Minimize Mistakes: Kent State turned the ball over once in their opener and committed eight penalties - they can't afford similar mistakes against Texas Tech.
The Challenge Ahead
This game represents a significant step up in competition for Kent State. While the Flashes showed resilience in their opener, Texas Tech's offensive capabilities present a different level of challenge. The Red Raiders averaged over 10 yards per play in their season opener and scored touchdowns on drives of varying lengths.
For Kent State to succeed, they'll need to play mistake-free football and have their defense generate some stops against a Texas Tech offense that looked unstoppable in Week 1. The Flashes will also need their special teams to continue providing field position advantages and potentially game-changing plays.
The noon kickoff in the challenging environment of Jones AT&T Stadium will test Kent State's road readiness as they look to build on their season-opening victory and prove they can compete with higher-level competition.
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